What is fluid intake and output?
Intake and output (I&O) is the measurement of the fluids that enter the body (intake) and the fluids that leave the body (output). The two measurements should be equal.
What are ins and outs medicine?
In biology, Input and output (I&O) is the measure of food and fluids that enter and exit the body. Certain patients with the need are placed on I & O, and if so, their urinary output is measured. If the patient is using a bedpan, the nursing staff member who empties the bedpan measures the urine prior to its disposal.
How do you record fluid intake and output?
Record ice chips as fluid at approximately half their volume. Record the type and amount of all fluids the patient has lost and the route. Describe them as urine, liquid stool, vomitus, tube drainage (including from chest, closed wound drainage, and nasogastric tubes), and any fluid aspirated from a body cavity.
Why is intake and output important in nursing?
Accurate measurement and documentation of I&Os are important because medications, intravenous and fluid administration, dietary decisions and tube feeding physician orders are based on I&O 24-hour totals. The numbers provide real-time data that guides daily care of the patient.
Why is fluid balance important?
Maintenance of an adequate fluid balance is vital to health. Inadequate fluid intake or excessive fluid loss can lead to dehydration, which in turn can affect cardiac and renal function and electrolyte management. Inadequate urine production can lead to volume overload, renal failure and electrolyte toxicity.
What is the normal range for fluid balance?
In the normal resting state, input of water through ingested fluids is approximately 1200 ml/day, from ingested foods 1000 ml/day and from aerobic respiration 300 ml/day, totaling 2500 ml/day.
What are normal ins and outs?
Normal urine output is 1-2 ml/kg/hr. To determine the urine output of your patient, you need to know their weight, the amount of urine produced, and the amount of time it took them to produce that urine. Urine output should be measured at least every four hours if possible.
How do you monitor fluid intake?
Tracking Fluids Keep a daily log until you are able to keep track of fluids without measuring. You may find it helpful to track your fluids by filling up a bottle or pitcher with the same amount of water as your daily fluid limit (for example, 64 ounces/2,000 cc).
What is fluid intake?
Daily fluid intake (total water) is defined as the amount of water consumed from foods, plain drinking water, and other beverages. Although daily fluid intake can come from food and beverages, plain drinking water is one good way of getting fluids as it has zero calories.
Why is fluid input and output important?
Fluid balance assessment on busy ward rounds or during general patient review requires clear documentation of fluid input and output. This allows accurate assessment of a patients’ fluid balance status, which is pertinent when reviewing intravenous fluid prescriptions or assessing for early clinical deterioration [1].
How do you monitor fluid balance?
Measure any fluids offered to the person and make a note of how much the person drinks and the time of the day at which it is drunk. If the person is drinking from a jug, obtain the total intake by subtracting the fluid remaining in the jug at the end of the day plus any fluid added.